Zhang Daoshi had a hearty meal, wiped his mouth, and went straight to the side room to find a shared bunk, collapsing into sleep. Before dozing off, he only instructed Zhan Yang not to wake him until after dark. Zhan Yang watched Zhang Daoshi with inner amazement but had no choice. When he informed Zheng Baishi, the latter cursed under his breath yet had no option but to wait until nightfall.
The more unrestrained Zhang Daoshi’s behavior seemed, the more Qin Guan wanted to know what he would do. Yan Chi’s thoughts aligned with Qin Guan’s, so they both stayed at the magistrate’s office without leaving. By evening, after having a meal there, as darkness finally fell, Zheng Baishi sent Zhan Yang to rouse Zhang Daoshi. Expecting him to laze about, they were surprised when Zhang Daoshi, upon seeing the sky had darkened completely, sprang up from bed in one swift motion—
Well-fed and well-rested, Zhang Daoshi refreshed himself by splashing cold water on his face outside. Zhan Yang, observing his demeanor, remarked calmly, “Would Zhang Daoshi like another meal?”
Zhang Daoshi chuckled and waved a hand. “That daytime meal can last me two days. No need for more. You… you’re called…”
Zhan Yang cupped his hands respectfully. “I am Zhan Yang, the constable of the magistrate’s office.”
Zhang Daoshi grinned. “Constable Zhan, just bring four or five men. No need for more.”
Zhan Yang then said, “The Crown Prince and the Princess are waiting outside.”
Hearing this, a faint glimmer lit Zhang Daoshi’s eyes. He strode out to the front hall, where indeed Yan Chi and Qin Guan were present. Zhang Daoshi clasped his hands toward the group. “Since everyone is here, there’s no need to bring many constables. Please lead me to the crime scenes to take a look.”
Zheng Baishi glanced at Yan Chi, who gave a slight nod.
Frowning, Zheng Baishi instructed Zhan Yang to prepare the carriage and horses. Soon, the group set out from the magistrate’s office under cover of night.
Wu Qian’s death had occurred in a dark alley in the southern part of the city. The carriage stopped at the alley’s entrance.
By now, the sky was pitch black, and the streets were nearly deserted. This particular alley in the south was especially remote, so as they approached the entrance, a chilling, eerie wind swept through, sending shivers down their spines.
Zheng Baishi walked ahead with Zhan Yang, who carried a torch, while Zhang Daoshi followed behind. Yan Chi and Qin Guan trailed at the back, with Bai Feng and others guarding the rear.
Zhang Daoshi walked slowly, scanning the alley’s surroundings, though it was unclear what he was looking for. Before long, they reached the spot where Wu Qian’s body had been discovered. Zhan Yang pointed toward a dilapidated low wall. “This is where the first victim’s body was found.”
Zhang Daoshi nodded, crouched down to feel the muddy ground, then looked up at the sky.
The alley was extremely narrow, offering only a sliver of the sky above. Frowning slightly, Zhang Daoshi pulled out a roll of paper and a brush from his sleeve, scribbling and sketching something on it.
The paper and brush were meant for official business in the magistrate’s office, yet somehow Zhang Daoshi had pocketed them unnoticed. Zhan Yang frowned and shook his head in silent exasperation.
After finishing his notes, Zhang Daoshi rolled up the paper and brush and tucked them back into his sleeve.
“Alright, let’s head to the next spot—”
No one understood what Zhang Daoshi had been inspecting. Hearing his cue to leave, they all exited the dark alley, boarded the carriage, and proceeded to the western part of the city, where Zhao Jiaxu’s body had been found.Zhao Jiaxu's body was discovered by the moat, on an extremely remote section. By the time the group arrived, the night had grown pitch black. A chilly wind whispered along the moat like ghostly sobs. Zhan Yang descended toward the moat with a torch, but after just two steps, he noticed a flickering spark near the corpse.
Zhan Yang's brow instantly furrowed.
Zhang Daoshi slapped Zhan Yang's shoulder. "Scared, Zhan Butou?! Thought it was ghost fire?!" With a hearty laugh, he bypassed Zhan Yang and strode down toward the moat.
Frowning, Zhan Yang followed with a cold expression.
Upon reaching the spot where the body was found, they saw the sparks came from some joss paper—someone had been there earlier to pay respects. Zhan Yang frowned and scanned the surroundings. Who would come to mourn Zhao Jiaxu so late at night?
As he pondered this, Zhang Daoshi stamped out the joss paper and began scribbling on a scroll.
Zhan Yang watched their surroundings warily. The night was ink-black. While someone mourning Zhao Jiaxu was one thing, the surrounding darkness inexplicably unsettled him, as if someone lurked in the shadows watching them.
Yan Chi and Qin Guan remained atop the embankment. Qin Guan remarked, "I always felt this Zhang Daoshi was quite remarkable."
Yan Chi glanced at Zhang Daoshi's crouched, scribbling form and curled his lips. "He doesn't seem to have deceived us just to escape the Celestial Prison."
Zheng Baishi sighed. "If only he could truly help. With three deaths now, The Emperor will likely be furious again tomorrow."
Mention of The Emperor's wrath deepened Yan Chi's gaze. "His Majesty is currently troubled by northwestern affairs. He might show some leniency regarding the capital's cases."
Seizing the opportunity, Zheng Baishi asked, "Your Highness, any progress on the northwestern matter?"
Yan Chi replied, "My father has dispatched men from the army. Several transport commissioners have been arrested. We await their interrogation results. The Ministry of Justice's inspector only departed the capital this morning—even traveling day and night, it will take half a month to arrive."
Zheng Baishi sighed again. "Who knows what this will uncover? To neglect and embezzle Military Provisions—these people have a death wish."
Yan Chi remained silent as Zhang Daoshi approached from below. "Let's go! To the third death site!"
Zhan Yang ascended and reported, "Sir, it appears someone was here earlier mourning Zhao Jiaxu."
Zheng Baishi raised an eyebrow. "His wife? Or that Miss Zhong?"
Zhan Yang shook his head. "I'll send someone to investigate tomorrow."
Zheng Baishi nodded, and the group headed toward the Drunken Immortal tavern's western city icehouse.
Since Zhao Jiaxu died in the western city, the icehouse wasn't far—just two incense sticks' travel time away. The icehouse stood in a remote residential area. Yet as they reached the courtyard gate, they noticed a flickering light inside. Zhan Yang shouted sharply, "Who's in there?!"
No sooner had he spoken than a figure flashed past the window. Frowning, Zhan Yang dashed forward with swift movements, entering swiftly and soon dragging out a figure with long hair and a face concealed by a cape.
It was actually a woman! Qin Guan and the others hurried forward!
"Zhan Butou! It's me, it's me—"Seemingly pained by Zhan Yang's grip, the woman couldn't help but cry out. Hearing this, Zhan Yang immediately released his hand. The woman removed her cape, looking both annoyed and flushed as she faced the sudden appearance of so many people.
Zheng Baishi raised an eyebrow. "Zhan Yang, who is this..."
Zhan Yang sighed helplessly. "She's Hu Dequan's daughter."
The woman knew the visitors were all distinguished figures, but hadn't expected a woman among them. She studied Qin Guan for a moment, her eyes showing admiration before she curtsied and said, "This humble girl Hongxiu pays respects to all esteemed officials."
Zheng Baishi understood. "Have you come to pay respects to your father?"
Hongxiu snorted lightly at this. "I'm only here to burn some spirit money because I'm afraid his ghost might haunt me."
As Hu Dequan's only daughter, Zhan Yang had already visited Hongxiu during the day. However, Hongxiu showed complete indifference to her father's death, displaying no grief upon hearing the news. Since she had witnesses to confirm her alibi, she was cleared of any involvement in Hu Dequan's death. Moreover, she had been quite impatient with Zhan Yang, quickly excusing herself to attend to customers. Unable to persist and uncomfortable in the female-dominated Phoenix Perch Tower, Zhan Yang had soon left. Both Zheng Baishi and Qin Guan were aware of this.
Hongxiu wore a dark blue cape over a pink wide-sleeved dress, her face lightly made up—hardly the appearance of someone sincerely mourning a deceased father. Her expression remained stubborn, devoid of sorrow, and she even seemed faintly angry when mentioning Hu Dequan.
Zhan Yang asked, "Aren't you afraid, coming here alone as a woman?"
Hongxiu sneered. "Why should I be afraid? When he was alive, he could beat and scold me. Now that he's dead, why should I fear him? This spirit money represents the last bit of father-daughter bond between us. Once I burn it, my conscience will be clear."
Zheng Baishi raised an eyebrow. "Your father's body remains in the Mortuary Temple. Don't you intend to arrange his burial?"
Hongxiu curtsied to Zheng Baishi. "Your Honor, he sold me off—technically, I'm no longer his daughter. Once you complete your investigation, dispose of his body as you see fit. I don't wish to see him, not even his corpse."
Selling one's own daughter was indeed lamentable. Faced with Hongxiu's attitude, Zheng Baishi couldn't find words to argue. After a moment's thought, he said, "Perhaps your father had regrets later..."
Upon hearing this, Hongxiu's sneer deepened. "Your Honor need not say such things. I know him too well! When my mother was seriously ill and he refused to spend his drinking money on medicine, I realized what kind of man he was. He caused my mother's death and sold me into a brothel. We severed all ties long ago. This spirit money is merely for my own peace of mind. Your Honor might think me cold-blooded and heartless, but in this world, fathers like him beget daughters like me."
With that, Hongxiu scanned the crowd. "Your Honor is here on official business. Hongxiu dare not disturb your work and will take my leave now."
She curtsied again and turned to leave. After a few steps, Qin Guan spoke up, "Was it widely known that your father sold you into the brothel?"
Hongxiu turned back to look at Qin Guan. "Everyone at Phoenix Perch Tower knows, except the newest arrivals."
Qin Guan nodded. Seeing this, Hongxiu finally headed toward the courtyard gate.Initially, they thought Hu Dequan had few friends and relatives, so investigating from Drunken Immortal Tower might yield clues. But with Hongxiu's arrival, everyone realized the scope of the matter had expanded. Phoenix Perch Tower had countless patrons daily—the courtesans knew, the patrons might know, not to mention the servants and maids. Who among them told the murderer? Or was the murderer one of them?
After Hongxiu left, everyone couldn't help but sigh.
Zhang Daoshi lamented, "Good and evil will eventually be repaid. Hu Dequan was utterly inhuman, so it's no wonder no one mourned his death. Zhan Butou, where did Hu Dequan die?"
Zhan Yang immediately led the way to the ice cellar. Entering the side room, he pointed to the descending staircase.
The night was deep and damp. Standing at the stairwell, they could feel the intense cold from below. Yan Chi, who was behind Qin Guan, pulled her back. "Wait here above." After saying this, he glanced at Baiying, who was following Qin Guan.
Baiying nodded, and only then did Yan Chi follow Zhang Daoshi downstairs.
Qin Guan had intended to go down but stopped at Yan Chi's words. Baiying stepped forward and said, "Miss, it's too cold down there. You'd better wait here. They'll be back soon anyway."
Qin Guan hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
Zhang Daoshi and the others descended the stairs. Zhan Yang, holding a torch, walked at the front with Zhang Daoshi. Seeing the door closed, Zhan Yang hurried forward to open it, but just as he reached the door, Zhang Daoshi suddenly exclaimed, "Stop! Wait!"
Zhan Yang froze instantly. Zhang Daoshi stepped forward, took the torch, and carefully examined the closed door. After a moment, he stepped back two paces, looking left and right around the doorframe...
Soon, Zhang Daoshi laughed heartily. "Excellent, excellent! This place is perfect—a true Icy Hell!"
Though Zhang Daoshi spoke with laughter, his words sent a chill down even Zhan Yang's spine. The ice cellar was already underground, and with Zhang Daoshi's remark, it felt as if it were indeed some kind of Icy Hell.
Without further explanation, Zhang Daoshi pushed the door open.
The ice cellar was pitch black and bitterly cold, yet Zhang Daoshi showed no fear, striding boldly inside. Zhan Yang followed with the torch, all the way to the innermost part.
"Zhang Daoshi, this is where Hu Dequan was found..."
Zhan Yang pointed to the corner at the end of the narrow passage. Zhang Daoshi crouched down to inspect it. After a while, he came out and walked to the entrance. There, he gazed at the dark sky for a moment before taking out paper and brush to write and sketch.
Once finished, he carefully examined the patterns on the door, then closed it and turned to ascend.
"Alright, I've seen enough. Let's head back."
He then turned to Yan Chi. "May I ask, Your Highness, where will I be staying tonight?"
Yan Chi looked at Zheng Baishi, who promptly replied, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will make the arrangements."
Zhang Daoshi snorted lightly, seemingly dissatisfied but unable to say much, so he shrugged and acquiesced. Seeing Zhang Daoshi's attitude, Zheng Baishi frowned and also snorted softly.
Yan Chi then said, "In that case, I will escort the Lady back to her residence. Zhang Daoshi, I leave to Lord Zheng."
Zheng Baishi repeatedly assented. As the group moved outward, Yan Chi looked at Zhang Daoshi and asked, "What was the purpose of today's visit?"
Zhang Daoshi pointed toward the sky. "This altar is arranged according to the stellar palaces and the Eight Trigrams. Only after seeing the location did I understand what that person intends to do and where his next crime will take place."Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "When can the calculation be completed?"
Zhang Daoshi hastily replied, "This cannot be guaranteed. It may take as little as one night or as long as three days, but it will eventually be calculated. However, with only three deaths so far, the results may not be entirely accurate. We must observe further... if more people die..."
Zhang Daoshi stopped mid-sentence, realizing his words were inappropriate, and swallowed the rest of his sentence. Glancing at the others, he said with a serious expression, "In any case, please rest assured, I will certainly do my utmost."
Yan Chi nodded, and the group then parted ways.
Yan Chi rode his horse outside while Qin Guan boarded the carriage. They traveled together toward the eastern Xinglē Ward.
When they had gone some distance, Qin Guan lifted the curtain and looked at Yan Chi. "Have you been busy with the Northwest Frontier Army's military provisions these past two days?"
Yan Chi nodded. "The Northwest Frontier Army's provisions are a top priority for the Ministry of War, yet such discrepancies still occurred. This suggests there must be issues elsewhere as well. Unfortunately, the capital is thousands of miles from the northwest—I cannot go there myself."
As he spoke, Yan Chi's voice carried a heavy anger. As the young marshal of the Northwest Frontier Army, he was naturally furious about such matters. The soldiers at the front lines were fighting bloodshed battles, yet those in the rear dared to tamper with military provisions—such audacity!
"This matter is of great importance and likely involves many people up and down the chain. However, as long as we investigate, we will surely uncover the truth. Do not worry. The key is to ensure that rear supplies are delivered promptly so as not to affect the Northwest Frontier Army's operations."
Yan Chi sighed. "Don't worry, I understand. Did you go to the Court of Judicial Review yesterday?"
Although Yan Chi had not seen Qin Guan, he was well-informed about her activities. Qin Guan replied, "It was still about the case files. I went but still couldn't find them, so I left."
"These past two days, I haven't been able to focus on this case. You must be careful when going out. Lord Zheng is diligent in his work—there's no need for you to rush..."
Qin Guan smiled. "Don't worry, I'm only doing what I can. Qin Shuang is about to marry, so I must spend time with her. I haven't seen the Grand Princess or the Empress Dowager for several days. I originally planned to visit today, but something came up. I'll go pay my respects tomorrow if nothing else happens."
"I'd rather you spend more time with the two elders."
They conversed as they traveled, and it took the time it takes for three incense sticks to burn before they reached the Marquis' residence.
By then, it was already very late. As they arrived at the entrance, they saw Qin Ye waiting at the gate. Spotting Qin Guan's return, Qin Ye hurried forward. "Greetings, Crown Prince!"
Yan Chi waved his hand, and Qin Ye anxiously looked at Qin Guan as she stepped down from the carriage. "Ninth Sister, you've finally returned!"
Qin Guan offered an explanation, and Yan Chi said, "Hurry inside. I must take my leave."
With a nod to Qin Ye, he rode away.
Qin Ye bowed respectfully and entered the residence with Qin Guan. "Father and Mother were worried about you. Why were you gone the entire day?"
Qin Guan had been concerned that Qin Ye might overthink seeing Yan Chi escort her back, but to her surprise, Qin Ye showed no sign of astonishment. She then began recounting her day's corpse examination...
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